Abstract
Rotate is a prototype bookshelf/living space speaker designed to suit both contemporary and dated spaces. The speaker’s revolved design allows it to be rotated in its base to direct the tweeters in the optimal orientation based on its elevation, whether it's on a low coffee table or up on a bookshelf.
Rotate began as a simple project to experiment with RMIT’s manufacturing resources. The primary goal of which was to introduce myself to the majority of the machinery I had at my disposal. However, it quickly developed into a more significant project when exploring issues with conventional bookshelf speakers.
Rotate
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Exploded View/Components
Rotate consists of 14 custom made parts, fabricated using a range of techniques such use CNC machining and turning, 3D printing and traditional woodworking.
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Product Dimensions
The packaging of Rotate allows it to be placed on bookshelves, coffee tables and bedside tables due to the driver orientation creating a shallow depth.
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Process
The conception of the Rotate speaker began by identifying the limitations of conventional bookshelf speakers. Realising their restricted nature in how they direct audio, concepts on how this could be achieved were ideated on. While subwoofers and mid-range drivers require less direction, tweeters are the prime suspect on what driver units would benefit from articulation to improve the listening experience.
Having drivers be of a circular nature provided the ability for the axis on which the mid-range drivers were aligned to be the axis of rotation for the tweeters. This concept is what inspired the design of Rotate.
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Outcome
The final functioning prototype was milled from a fine grain softwood (Jelutong) for its ability to be cut cleanly cut with minimal tear-out. Other components were machined from aluminium such as the base, buttons, and end caps for their dimensional stability.